Nicknames

Anthony/Tony:

Anthony was named in memory of his paternal grandfather, Anton but was originally referred to as just Tony by his family; however, upon starting high school, AK suddenly decided to announce himself with the full version of his name.

Tony Flow:

This is the name that Anthony adopted for the one off gig at the Rhythm Lounge Grandea Room on /Melrose Avenue, LA in February 1983, when Anthony, Flea, Hillel and Jack opened for Gary Allen. The four produced a song, Out in LA, and performed under the name Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem. It proved to be the beginning of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; they were so popular that they were asked to return the following week with two songs which they did, plus the new RHCP name.

Antoine (Antwan) The Swan:

“I wrote a verse about my sexual prowess,and I called myself “Antoine the Swan” for no other reason other than it rhymed. For years and years people would come up to me and ask. ‘What’s the real thing behind the swan? You got a curve in your dick?” in a way, it was an ironic reference, because my dancing style was so ungraceful and swanlike. I would attempt the physical maneuvers [sic] of a prima ballerina, and I’d wind up crashing or knocking over a table or pulling the curtains down.”

‘Scar Tissue’ Anthony Kiedis with Larry Sloman; page 105

Cole Dammett

Anthony’s father, Jack, had adopted the acting name of Blackie Dammett in homage to his favourite writer, Dashiell Hammett, his favourite writer so Anthony needed to do the same:

“Well, it’s got to be something Dammett, because I’m your son.” So Cole Dammett was born. Get it? Cole, son of Blackie.”

‘Scar Tissue’ Anthony Kiedis with Larry Sloman; page 50

Sir Psycho Sexy

Taken from the song of the same name; a track on the BloodSugarSexMagik album